To install Windows 10 in Parallels Desktop on an Intel Mac, download the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft, open Parallels, choose File > New, select Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file, pick the ISO, and follow the prompts. Parallels sets up the virtual machine and installs Windows for you. On a Mac with Apple silicon (M1 or newer), Windows 10 isn’t supported. You’ll need to install Windows 11 for Arm instead, which Parallels can download for you automatically.
Also keep in mind that Microsoft ended regular Windows 10 support in October 2025, so Windows 11 is the better choice for any new virtual machine that can run it.
What you need
| Your Mac | Windows you can install |
|---|---|
| Intel Mac | Windows 10 or Windows 11 (x64) |
| Apple silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, M4, and later) | Windows 11 for Arm |
- Parallels Desktop (a free trial is available from Parallels’ website).
- At least 60 GB of free disk space for Windows and apps, and ideally 8 GB or more of RAM on your Mac.
- A Windows license to activate Windows after installing.
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 ISO (Intel Macs)
- On your Mac, go to Microsoft’s Download Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File) page.
- Choose the edition and language, and download the 64-bit ISO.
On a Mac, Microsoft’s site offers the ISO directly, since the Media Creation Tool only runs on Windows.
Step 2: Create the virtual machine
- Open Parallels Desktop and choose File > New (or click + in the Control Center).
- Select Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file and click Continue.
- Parallels finds your ISO automatically, or click Choose Manually and select it.
- Enter a product key if you have one, or uncheck the option to enter it later.
- Choose how you’ll use Windows, such as Productivity or Games only. This sets the CPU and memory defaults.
- Name the virtual machine, choose where to save it, and click Create.
Step 3: Finish Windows setup
- Windows setup runs inside the virtual machine. Follow the prompts, and sign in or create an account.
- Parallels installs Parallels Tools automatically, which adds shared folders, copy and paste between Mac and Windows, and better graphics. If it doesn’t, choose Actions > Install Parallels Tools.
- Activate Windows in Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
On an Apple silicon Mac: install Windows 11 instead
- Choose File > New in Parallels.
- Select Get Windows 11 from Microsoft and click Continue.
- Parallels downloads and installs Windows 11 for Arm automatically.
Most Windows apps run on Windows 11 for Arm through built-in emulation, but some games, drivers, and anti-cheat software may not work.
Tips for better performance
- With the virtual machine shut down, open its Configuration > Hardware > CPU & Memory to adjust resources.
- Try Coherence mode (View > Enter Coherence) to run Windows apps alongside Mac apps.
- Take a snapshot (Actions > Take Snapshot) before major changes so you can roll back.
Related: use SQL Server Management Studio on a Mac.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run Windows 10 on an M1 or newer Mac?
Not officially. Windows 10 doesn’t support Apple silicon Macs. Use Windows 11 for Arm in Parallels or another supported virtualization app.
Do I need to buy Windows?
You can install and use Windows without activating it, but with limitations and reminders. To use it fully, you need a Windows license.
Is Parallels free?
Parallels offers a free trial. After that, it requires a paid subscription or license.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.